Phil Kurze, the longtime vice president of motorsports for Whelen Engineering and devoted supporter of Northeast short track racing and Modified racing, has passed.

Kurze, 69, passed away Wednesday after a long illness.

Kurze helped spearhead the involvement of Whelen in multiple partnerships with NASCAR with the Whelen All-American Series short track program, Whelen Modified Tour regional tour and the Whelen Euro-Series in Europe.

Kurze was a fixture of the Modified racing scene and a devoted fan of the Whelen Modified Tour.

“A sad day for racing,” five-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Doug Coby posted on Facebook. “Phil was a true fan of the Modifieds and did so much to ensure the stability and growth of the Whelen Modified Tour. He was also instrumental in carving out a spot for all of the weekly series and regional series champions in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Hard to explain how much he meant to everyone in our community.”

“Phil was instrumental to Whelen’s involvement in motorsports, as well as in the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project,” George “Sonny” Whelen IV said in a release. “His passion for racing and his ability to fight for what he believed in have left a lasting mark on Whelen Engineering and the world of motorsports.”

“Simply put, a great guy,” two-time champion of the former Whelen Southern Modified Tour, Andy Seuss, posted on Facebook.” The things he did for our modified and short track racing world was simply unprecedented and always progressive. But what I’ll miss most is the incredible person he was. Yes he was there for the modifieds, yes it was business for him. But that didn’t stop him from asking how your family was, and genuinely caring. This is a huge loss for not just the racing world, but the world.”

We are deeply saddened to announce that Phil Kurze, Whelen Engineering Vice President of Motorsports and Mass…

Phil was a great ambassador for motorsports. His mark is in indelible ink. Always enjoyed working with him, and got to know him for the great human being he was. Rest eternally, Phil. https://t.co/e7iJUsKj2H

What Phil Kurze did for short track racing is immeasurable. Phil’s love for the sport was completely genuine and with that obvious passion came the respect from our entire community. Not only a great man but in my opinion a future @NASCAR Hall of Famer. Rest Easy Phil

Do you enjoy what you’re reading and seeing here at RaceDayCT? Would you like to see continued coverage of New England short track racing? Your support can help ensure that professional coverage of short track racing can continue at RaceDayCT, and you can get some great rewards for that support. Patreon allows readers to make small monthly contributions to RaceDayCT that support the ongoing coverage of short track racing. Your pledge comes with exclusive tiered reward programs for offering that support. For just a $5 a month pledge fans can have access to the weekly Unmuffled podcast. For more information click the link here.

Loved to see him at tour shows I would always thank him for his support of the sport he was a very nice person a very sad day for racing.He didn’t have to go to the track he was there because he loved racing rip Phil

I met Phil at Watkins Glen when I Owen the #7 team. My team and I were preparing ,in the garage area, for the race when this tall guy and a couple of his friends walked up to me and said , hi I’m Phil Kurze with tha Whelen Company. He handed me his business card and said , if you ever need another sponsor for the team call me!! I was in shock when Phil started walking away. After I came to, I started running after him yelling, Phil, Phil stop!! Whelen ended up on the C post .of the #7cars. As our relationship grew with Whelen and Phil , Phil asked me if we needed any help with the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project! Without the support from Whelen and Phil , the USA Bobsled teams would not have been using Bo-Dyn Bobsleds to win Championships and Olympic Medals 🇺🇸 But even more I along with many people would not have met a wonderful man. Rest In Peace My Friend🙏🇺🇸🏁 you won’t be forgotten ❤️